Following a 4-0 victory over Fluminense in the Club World Cup final and a victorious 3-1 match against Everton at Goodison Park, Manchester City extended their winning streak with a 2-0 win over Sheffield United.
The game at Etihad Stadium was a tough one for Guardiola's team, who had to work hard and smart to overcome the Blades.
Despite the pressure, City managed to secure the win with Rodri scoring the opening goal and Alvarez nailing the 2-0 victory.
Manchester City now sit in third place in the Premier League table with 40 points, trailing Klopp's Liverpool by two points.
As expected, City started the game by keeping the visitors pinned inside their penalty area, but Sheffield United defended well.
There was almost an embarrassing moment for Ederson in the 4th minute as he fell backward and nearly carried the ball over his own goal line, but he proved that he was always in control.
Moments later, Osula almost caused trouble for the City defense as Sheffield United launched a counterattack, but Kovacic recovered well to intervene and stopped the break.
Jack Grealish was superb as he made a strong start at the Etihad, standing out as one of the most dangerous players on the pitch despite a recent terrifying raid on his home.
Grealish consistently received the ball on the left flank and caused problems for George Baldock as he cut inside the visitor's box.
Although Sheffield United doubled up to contain him, Manchester City broke through thanks to Rodri, who scored in the 14th minute after receiving a fine pass from Phil Foden.
The goal demonstrated Rodri's ability to both defend and score in midfield, putting the Premier League champions ahead at the Etihad.
The host club were relentless in their all-out attack, putting pressure on Sheffield United from all sides at the Etihad Stadium.
Guardiola's team were sharp to notice a vulnerability on Sheffield United's left side, and players like Josko Gvardiola and Jack Grealish consistently tested Chris Wilder's defense.
Sheffield United struggled to gain possession, with Man City controlling over 80% of the game in the 20th minute of first half.
In a close attempt, Kyle Walker narrowly missed the target with a shot against his former team from a corner kick in the 24th minute.
Manchester City's dominating performance led to their fourth corner as they kept up the pressure on the visiting team.
Bernardo Silva passed the ball short to Julian Alvarez, who sent a dangerous ball into the six-yard box, but Wes Foderingham held onto it well.
With 8 minutes left in the first half, Oliver Norwood was punished for pushing Julian Alvarez but Guardiola was not happy with the challenge and received a yellow card for dissent as the referee was not pleased with his complaints.
In the 43rd minute, Sheffield had a chance as William Osula tried to create something, but Mateo Kovacic tackled him from behind, giving the visitors a free-kick.
Mateo Kovacic received a yellow card for his tactical foul against Osula and Kyle Walker intercepted the cross aimed at the box before the referee ended the first half after 2 minutes of added time.
Manchester City dominated the game with 82% possession compared to Sheffield United's 18%.
Manchester City appeared poised to increase their lead as they resumed play in the second half.
In the 52nd minute of the second half, Jack Grealish was replaced by Oscar Bobb.
Despite City's continued dominance and efforts to score again, Wes Foderingham remained vigilant and thwarted their attempts.
However, Foderingham couldn't prevent Julian Alvarez from scoring in the 62nd minute, with an assist from Phil Foden, making it 2-0.
Foderingham couldn't stop City's way this time as Julian Alvarez made it 2-0 in the 62nd minutes with Foden creating the assist again.
Just moments after Foderingham's impressive save, Foden skillfully created space on the wing and sent a sharp pass to Julian Alvarez, who easily scored.
City continued to push for more goals, but Sheffield's defense remained strong and difficult to break through.
In a nervous moment for Foderingham, City almost scored a third goal when the goalkeeper accidentally kicked the ball into Alvarez in the 73rd minute, but the ball narrowly missed the net.
City look more desperate and hungry for more goals as they kept pouncing on the visitors to do more ruins but Sheffield kept their defence tight and hard for penetration.
However, the referee ended the game with City winning 2-0 after the three minutes of added time were up.
It was a great evening for Manchester City in their quest to defend their title as they raced from 4th to 2nd place in the Premier League table.
Manchester City will play their first match in the new year in a FA clash against Huddersfield on January 7, 2024.
On the other hand, Sheffield United will face Gillingham in the 3rd round of the FA cup on Saturday, January 6, 2024.
The game at Etihad Stadium was a tough one for Guardiola's team, who had to work hard and smart to overcome the Blades.
Despite the pressure, City managed to secure the win with Rodri scoring the opening goal and Alvarez nailing the 2-0 victory.
Manchester City now sit in third place in the Premier League table with 40 points, trailing Klopp's Liverpool by two points.
How the match unfolded
Guardiola's City were proudly displaying their sensational year showcasing the trophies they had won in a record-breaking 12 months.As expected, City started the game by keeping the visitors pinned inside their penalty area, but Sheffield United defended well.
There was almost an embarrassing moment for Ederson in the 4th minute as he fell backward and nearly carried the ball over his own goal line, but he proved that he was always in control.
Moments later, Osula almost caused trouble for the City defense as Sheffield United launched a counterattack, but Kovacic recovered well to intervene and stopped the break.
Jack Grealish was superb as he made a strong start at the Etihad, standing out as one of the most dangerous players on the pitch despite a recent terrifying raid on his home.
Grealish consistently received the ball on the left flank and caused problems for George Baldock as he cut inside the visitor's box.
Although Sheffield United doubled up to contain him, Manchester City broke through thanks to Rodri, who scored in the 14th minute after receiving a fine pass from Phil Foden.
The goal demonstrated Rodri's ability to both defend and score in midfield, putting the Premier League champions ahead at the Etihad.
The host club were relentless in their all-out attack, putting pressure on Sheffield United from all sides at the Etihad Stadium.
Guardiola's team were sharp to notice a vulnerability on Sheffield United's left side, and players like Josko Gvardiola and Jack Grealish consistently tested Chris Wilder's defense.
Sheffield United struggled to gain possession, with Man City controlling over 80% of the game in the 20th minute of first half.
In a close attempt, Kyle Walker narrowly missed the target with a shot against his former team from a corner kick in the 24th minute.
Manchester City's dominating performance led to their fourth corner as they kept up the pressure on the visiting team.
Bernardo Silva passed the ball short to Julian Alvarez, who sent a dangerous ball into the six-yard box, but Wes Foderingham held onto it well.
With 8 minutes left in the first half, Oliver Norwood was punished for pushing Julian Alvarez but Guardiola was not happy with the challenge and received a yellow card for dissent as the referee was not pleased with his complaints.
In the 43rd minute, Sheffield had a chance as William Osula tried to create something, but Mateo Kovacic tackled him from behind, giving the visitors a free-kick.
Mateo Kovacic received a yellow card for his tactical foul against Osula and Kyle Walker intercepted the cross aimed at the box before the referee ended the first half after 2 minutes of added time.
Manchester City dominated the game with 82% possession compared to Sheffield United's 18%.
Manchester City appeared poised to increase their lead as they resumed play in the second half.
In the 52nd minute of the second half, Jack Grealish was replaced by Oscar Bobb.
Despite City's continued dominance and efforts to score again, Wes Foderingham remained vigilant and thwarted their attempts.
However, Foderingham couldn't prevent Julian Alvarez from scoring in the 62nd minute, with an assist from Phil Foden, making it 2-0.
Foderingham couldn't stop City's way this time as Julian Alvarez made it 2-0 in the 62nd minutes with Foden creating the assist again.
Just moments after Foderingham's impressive save, Foden skillfully created space on the wing and sent a sharp pass to Julian Alvarez, who easily scored.
City continued to push for more goals, but Sheffield's defense remained strong and difficult to break through.
In a nervous moment for Foderingham, City almost scored a third goal when the goalkeeper accidentally kicked the ball into Alvarez in the 73rd minute, but the ball narrowly missed the net.
City look more desperate and hungry for more goals as they kept pouncing on the visitors to do more ruins but Sheffield kept their defence tight and hard for penetration.
However, the referee ended the game with City winning 2-0 after the three minutes of added time were up.
It was a great evening for Manchester City in their quest to defend their title as they raced from 4th to 2nd place in the Premier League table.
What's next for Manchester City and Sheffield United?
Manchester City will play their first match in the new year in a FA clash against Huddersfield on January 7, 2024.
On the other hand, Sheffield United will face Gillingham in the 3rd round of the FA cup on Saturday, January 6, 2024.
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